A bill would give counties more resources to help people with mental illness who’ve committed certain crimes.
Devin Blake
Devin Blake began his career as a journalist at Patch, covering the Southern California communities he grew up in, with a particular focus on local businesses, unemployment, and organizations addressing unmet community needs. As he witnessed the growing homelessness crisis, he transitioned into working as a resource and information coordinator, supporting community groups and nonprofits serving unhoused populations, including the elderly, developmentally disabled, and individuals living with HIV/AIDS. In addition to his community-focused work, Blake has contributed to publications such as New York Magazine, The Onion, and McSweeney’s. He enjoys spending time with his wife and navigating the daily adventures of parenting his young son.
Posted inPublic Safety
MPD pushes for more facial recognition technology as a federal report shows persistent bias
Community groups are speaking out against the police department’s plan to expand its use of facial recognition technology. But MPD says it is a valuable crime-fighting tool.
Posted inCommunity
The SDC responds to the state’s lawsuit. Here’s what’s you need to know
In a formal response to a state lawsuit over unpaid wages, the Social Development Commission disputes key facts but also raises familiar questions about who is responsible for the agency’s future.
Posted inbasic needs, Community
‘I work for 950,000 people’: County official reminds residents of their rights amid ICE arrests
Despite recent ICE arrests at the Milwaukee County Courthouse complex, Milwaukee County Register of Deeds Israel Ramón says all residents – regardless of immigration status – have a right to access his office.
Posted inbasic needs, Health and Wellness
Changes to federal food aid raise alarm as summer nears. Here’s what you need to know.
Summer meal programs have not been targeted, but lawmakers warn thousands of families could lose access to similar support due to budget cuts from the Trump administration.
Posted inCriminal justice
Milwaukee workers set to benefit from court’s ruling on municipal citations
The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that noncriminal municipal citations count as arrest records under state law – meaning employers can’t use them to discriminate.
Posted inCriminal justice, Education
South Side native takes advantage of educational opportunities for those formerly and currently incarcerated
After spending more than 20 years under supervision by the correctional system, Jamie De Jesus Sr. has the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree – exemplifying the purpose of the McNeely Prison Education Consortium.
Posted inCommunity, Criminal justice
Milwaukee County looks to tweak youth incarceration dashboard after community feedback
Milwaukee County’s youth justice dashboard offers real-time data, but it does not currently provide some key racial demographics.
Posted incivics, Community
Wisconsinites added a voter ID requirement to the state’s constitution. Here’s what that means
Although voter ID is required by state law, a new amendment to Wisconsin’s constitution establishes the requirement more firmly.
Posted inCriminal justice
Diary of a returning citizen: Ups and downs
Sunshine Ketchum describes two struggles she’s experienced in the past several months as well as sources of strength that have helped her deal with them.